EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA — Bring you lawn chair, enjoy the parade and leave your fireworks at home, seems to be the message from the local law enforcement community in the days leading up to the Thursday's Fourth of July celebration.

"We would like everyone to have a happy and safe holiday," said Chief John Riley of the Sault Police Department.

Chippewa County Sheriff Robert Savoie echoed those sentiments.

"The most important thing you can do is to properly educate your family about fireworks and set a good example," he said.

Data from the Michigan Sheriff's Association underscores the importance of taking the necessary safety precautions as there were more than 10,000 people injured by fireworks last year, with children under the age of 15 accounting for one third of those injuries. That same press release also revealed that on July 4, 2007, a Melvindale mother of three was killed after being struck by a commercially made firework.

Riley indicated that while the State of Michigan may have relaxed some of the regulations governing fireworks, the local law enforcement community will still be vigilant on a number of fronts. The law still prohibits the use of fireworks by anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol and consumer fireworks — loosely defined as anything that flies or explodes — or prohibited from public or private property without the permission of the owner.

Riley also pointed out that the city will be strictly enforcing ordinances that prohibit the use of commercial fireworks on all city property, streets and parks.

Also, under the "what goes up must come down" definition, those who legally light fireworks on their own property are still responsible for their eventual landing.

"They will be cited for littering if it lands on other people's property or on public grounds," said Riley.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie will celebrate the Fourth of July with a 7 p.m. Thursday parade running west of Easterday Avenue from the Department of Public Works grounds to Ashmun Street up to Portage Avenue and over to Magazine Street.

The city's fireworks show, slated to be held at dusk, can be viewed along the St. Mary's River.

Other communities throughout the tri-county area are planning similar events on Thursday. See community calendar for more details.

Local residents can also get a head start on their viewing festivities this evening at dusk by congregating along the St. Marys River for the Canadian celebration fireworks show.